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Even when the ownership or responsibility is finally determined, it is difficult to
convince the persons concerned that the responsibility for ensuring compliance has been
rightly attributed to them.
FIRE RISKS
Fire precautions are the responsibility generally of the Greater London Council. The
main provisions deal with the issue of fire escape certificates for larger premises. This
has meant a great deal of work for the fire authority who has had to give priority to the
larger premises where the risk is normally greater.
The Local Authority are, however, able to assist by bringing to their attention particular
fire hazards in premises which may not normally be inspected by the fire authority for some
time. This has been done on several occasions this year. A typical example was the stacking
of waste paper in a boiler house.
There was one serious warehouse fire this year in which several people died.
HOISTS AND LIFTS
During the year the Hoists and Lifts Regulations, 1968 were issued. These come into
force in May 1969 and impose requirements as to the construction, maintenance and examination
of hoists and lifts in premises to which the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act applies.
They require, among other things, the provision of gates fitted with devices which will
prevent them opening unless the lift is at the landing and so that the lift cannot be moved
away from the landing unless the gates are closed.
LIGHTING
The Department of Employment and Productivity have during the year issued general
guidance on lighting standards for premises covered by the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises
Act. They give both a minimal standard and a good lighting standard. These standards are,
however, only advisory and ultimate decisions can only be given by the courts.
IMPROVEMENTS UNDER THE ACT
With a lot of legislation it is difficult to assess the actual benefits which result
from enforcement.
This Authority has kept continuous records of the work done and details are attached to
this report.
In the year to which this report relates, there were, inter alia, 103 premises provided
with hot water for personal washing and 320 cases of repairs to floors and staircases.
To assess the improvement in the well-being of the 50,000 employees engaged in office
and shop premises in the Borough is difficult but these figures do show the effect which this
Act is having in improving their working conditions.
CONCLUSION
Tables following this report give details of the premises inspected, the visits made
and the deficiences found and remedied during the year.
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